Livingstone College received its fifth $1 million donation earlier last week. The anonymous donor has made four additional $1 million donations to the college since last October. During that time, Livingstone College president Dr. Anthony J. Davis stated that the initial $1 million donation was the largest individual gift from a non-alumnus in the college’s history.

“Thank you,” Davis said regarding the initial donation. “This type of contribution allows the college to allocate funds strategically by enhancing academic programs, expanding scholarship opportunities, and investing in innovative facilities and technologies.”

This unexpected blessing will go towards the college’s issues related to capital improvements and the campus’s infrastructure. Livingstone also says that the donation will help it continue its mission to educate, equip, and empower its students to compete and contribute in a global context with confidence and competence. Dr. Davis expresses his appreciation to the community for their support and hopes that the recurring generous donations will inspire others within the community to donate as well.

The first donation was received last fall during the college’s homecoming celebrations. The next donation was announced during the college’s 145th Founder’s Day program in February. The following month they received yet another donation from the mysterious donor. Before this recent donation, the college received its fourth contribution back in April.

The mysterious donor didn’t leave any stipulations for the funds but only a message therefore the college has been using it how it sees fit. The proceeds from these donations have been and will continue to be used towards the college’s campus residence hall refurbishment project that is already in the works.

“I trust you will address the needs of the college,” wrote the mystery donor.

Livingstone is one of several HBCUs that have received generous donations in the past few months. In October, Fort Valley State University received a $1 million donation from Dr. Alonzo Jones, Dr. Alma Jones, and their niece, Dr. Rose Holton. The donation was the largest contribution from living alumni. In recognition of their extraordinary contribution, Fort Valley State University has renamed the Student Amenities Center the “Alonzo and Alma Jones Student Center.”

In January, Spelman College announced a $100 million donation from philanthropist and businesswoman Rhonda Stryker alongside her husband and Chairman of Greenleaf Trust, William Johnston. The $100 million contribution is in celebration of 100 years since Spelman College officially changed its name from Spelman Baptist Seminary in 1924. The $100 million donation was the largest single donation in HBCU history. Stryker is a longtime Spelman College Trustee, starting her tenure in 1997.